Introduction
Joanna Russ, a well-known feminist, wrote the novel The Female Man. The novel was written in 1970 and published in America in 1975. The book is classified as both a fantasy novel and a feminist science fiction novel. The protagonist is a feminist who used short stories, novels, and nonfiction to counter sexist assumptions in 1975. Russ calls the novel The Female Man because she feels that in order for women to be valued, their gender must be ignored. The book was published at a time when women's campaigns were gaining traction. As a consequence, this discussion will include a book review of The Female Man.
Summary
The novel revolves around four major characters who include Jael, Janet, Jeannine, and Joanna. Other minor characters used include Cal and Laura Rose among others. The four women live in different worlds that substantially differ regarding place and time. Russ uses different universes to explain the divergent views on gender roles as well as to show what it means for one to be a woman. Later, the influence and encounter of the characters influence their life evaluation as well as shape their view on what it implies to be a woman.
Analysis
According to the author (Joanna), Jeannine's lives in a world where the Great Depression still prevails. Consequently, women get married for financial support. Also, women are prohibited from searching for their jobs hence disseminating gender roles in the society. In Janet's world, all men died thus change of gender roles. Additionally, individuals from Janet's community still practice agrarian despite technological advancements. Also, in Jael world, both men and women engage in sex battle. Therefore, the four characters struggle how to define femininity in different ways.
Conclusion
In summary, the female man novel gives different views of women in the society. The author of the book is a feminist, uses different characters to reveal how women are viewed in the community. Women are considered as lesser individuals in the society with the primary goal of getting married for financial support. Also, women are disrespected since they cannot use modern technology. Through different exposures of characters in various places, the author finally reveals what it means to be a female.
